My Last Bite: Casey’s Pub the spot to watch football

My Last Bite, the Register Star's dining column, publishes Thursdays at rrstar.com. This week's featured eatery is Casey's Pub.

Jennifer Wheeler

Name: Casey’s Pub

Address: 7307 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park

Phone number: 815-637-6088

Owner: Nick Fosberg

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week

Wheelchair accessible: Yes

Website: caseyspub.net

Entree price range: Items range from $4.95 for a Caesar wrap to $12.95 for specialty pizzas. Most meals are around $7.

Popular items: Burgers, wraps and boneless wings

We ate: Sunday should be spent watching football — at least that’s what my boyfriend, Todd, thinks. I knew if we were going to eat somewhere the place would have to have a few TVs so he could watch the games and of course, check his fantasy football teams.

Casey’s Pub fit the bill.

We started the meal off with Mac and Cheese Bites ($4.95) which were served with chipotle ranch dressing. The six pieces of cheesy gooeyness came out piping hot.

When we finished our appetizer, our entrees came out right on cue. I ordered the Ultimate Cherry Zing Wrap ($6.95) with a side salad. The wrap was filled with grilled chicken, brown rice, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato and the spicy cherry zing sauce.

I picked it because it seemed like it would pack a lot of flavor without being too heavy. It didn’t disappoint. The wrap had a good portion of brown rice and veggies. It wasn’t drenched in the sauce, either. I was only able to finish half of it, but I gladly took the remaining food home.

My meal came with a side salad, which hit the spot. It wasn’t anything too fancy, but there was more than other restaurants’ usual serving of lettuce and wimpy carrots on a plate.

He liked that the bacon was crispy inside the wrap because it added a nice crunch to the meal. Like me, he also was pleased that the ranch dressing didn’t overpower the other ingredients.

“Ahh” moment: There is more than one reason to visit Casey’s Pub.

There are plenty of TVs and staff can configure the sound system so people can hear different games in various parts of the restaurant. That way if the Bears and Packers are playing at the same time, you’ll be able to hear the announcers for the game you’re watching.

I was also surprised by the wide variety of fans who stop by the business. There was everyone from Bears to Packers to Cowboys to even 49ers fans there. No matter which team you’re rooting for, you won’t be out of place.

And last, but certainly not least, you need to stop by the business because Nick gives back to the community. He hosts several charity events, many of which have benefitted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The business gives back 90 percent of the profits from food sales for organized benefits.

“Hmm” moment: I wish our waitress had told us about the loyalty program. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before at a restaurant.

By signing up (either online or at the business) for the free program, you can receive hundreds of dollars in incentives within a year. Those who participate receive a $10 gift card every month and every sixth meal is free.

You receive a $250 valued party package around your birthday, too.

No, it’s not a scam. It’s just great marketing. Any business owner knows that the toughest part is getting customers in the door.

Next time, I’ll: Try the specialty pizzas.

Jennifer Wheeler: 815-987-1354; jwheeler@rrstar.com; @jenmwheeler

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